What Jesus Did! 'Giving In When You Don't Have To' — John 14:29-31

Saturday, October 1, 2022

[Jesus continued,] "I have told you these things [about my going to the Father] before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.

"I don't have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let's be going."

— John 14:29-31 NLT

Key Thought

The principle here is tough. Jesus gives in to an enemy and then faces personal anguish, agony, and humiliation because he chooses to. Why does he do it? Why would he let Satan, who has no real power over him, do such horrifying things to him? Two reasons:

  • He is honoring the will of the Father and showing his love for the Father.
  • He is doing it for us, as an offering for our sin - the reason the Father sent him to earth in the first place.

Jesus' example here is a tough one to follow - giving in when we don't have to do it. Why would we do it? For two reasons:

  • To live obediently to God.
  • To spare others the heartache of sin they may commit if we don't submit.

Today's Prayer

Father, I admit that Jesus' example is often hard for me to follow. When I am wronged or falsely accused, I don't want to give in. Sometimes, I don't even want to forgive but want to vindicate myself. Please give me spiritual discernment to know the difference between being a doormat that lets others needlessly walk over me and being redemptive. As I try to honor you by being a person of character, please help me know when to give in on matters so that others are spared the heartache of unnecessary conflict. Thank you, my Lord and Christ, for being willing to suffer abuse and injustice so that my sins could be forgiven. In your name, I ask for this wisdom and strength, and I offer my praise for heaven's grace. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

He Has No Hold on Me
Article by Tom Norvell
Are you truly free? Don't you wish you could say, like Jesus said, that the devil or Satan has no hold on you?
I Will Be with You!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, My return to the Father after My crucifixion and resurrection was important for many reasons. However, for My apostles, the experience..."

Illustration

Illustration of John 14:29-31 NLT — "I have told you these things [about my going to the Father] before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe. "

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, October 1, 2022

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 41:1
"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spiritual House' (1 Pe. 2:4-5)
"As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by human beings but chosen by God and precious to him — you also, like living stones, are being..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Erwin W. Lutzer:
"Better to love God and die unknown than to love the world and be a hero; better to be content with poverty than to die a slave to wealth; better to have taken....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Supreme Over All the Earth' (Ps. 97:9)
"For you, O Lord, are supreme over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!